Polite Expressions & Titles

Learn common polite expressions, honorifics, and titles in Kiswahili

📚 Theory: Polite Expressions and Titles

Learn common polite expressions, honorifics, and titles in Kiswahili

Kiswahili	English	Notes
Samahani	Excuse me
Niwie radhi	My apologies / Pardon me
Tafadhali	Please
Pole	Sorry	Also used to express sympathy or empathy, not only apologies.
Makiwa	Condolences	Used when expressing sympathy after a loss. The response is: 'Tunayo'.
Asante	Thank you
Hongera	Congratulations
Shukrani	Thanks or I appreciate.	Derived from the verb 'shukuru' which means 'to appreciate'.
Inshallah	God willing	Borrowed from Arabic; commonly used in everyday speech.
Binti	Daughter of
Bin	Son of
Bi	Miss / Ms.
Bibi	Mrs.
Bwana	Mr. / Sir
Marehemu	The late	Used when referring respectfully to someone who has passed away.
Bimdogo	Little miss / young lady	A combination of the word 'bi' meaning 'lady' and 'dogo' meaning 'small'
Bwanamdogo	Little sir / young man
Bimkubwa	Middle-aged or elderly woman	A combination of the word 'bi' meaning 'lady' and 'kubwa' meaning 'big'
Bwanamkubwa	Middle-aged or elderly man
Hayati	Distinguished deceased person	A more honorific form than 'marehemu'.
Ustadh	Distinguished scholar	Commonly used for religious or academic scholars.

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